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Soak up the wonders of nature with this wild-south itinerary. Scroll to discover more.

Journey through a maze of alpine lakes and glittering mountains on this South Island road trip. Start your journey in Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand before heading north through stunning National Parks to explore glacier country.

Day 1: Start in Queenstown

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Trail, Queenstown

By Miles Holden

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Queenstown

Today's journey starts in the alpine resort town of Queenstown – an exciting and fantastically scenic part of New Zealand. Soak up the alpine views and take some time to enjoy the great outdoors with a day walk, jet boating adventure or scenic gondola ride up Bob’s Peak. In the evening, visit a local restaurant to refuel from the day's adventures.

Day 2: Explore Wanaka

Winetasting at Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka

By Matt Crawford

Discover top experiences in Wanaka

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Wanaka

Nestled below towering mountains, Wanaka is the most tranquilly set of the South Island lakes. Meander along lakefront trails, take a gentle bike ride through autumnal scenes and enjoy a wine-tasting at Rippon Vineyard.

For the more adventurous, get your adrenaline rush by heli-biking or climbing the highest waterfall 'feratta' in the world. We can promise unbeatable views.

Discover top experiences in Wanaka

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Wanaka

Release your inner explorer in the pristine national parks in Wanaka and West Coast.

A hiker's paradise, Mount Aspiring National Park offers a large number of short walks that are mostly concentrated at the end of the park's access roads. Experience a dreamland of mountains, glaciers, river valleys, waterfalls and Alpine lakes. Heading north from Wanaka towards West Coast, via Haast, Fantail Falls are well worth the short walk.

Further north in World Heritage-listed Westland Tai Poutini National Park and Glacier Country lies Lake Matheson where you can gaze in amazement at the mirror-like reflection of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Day 4: Glacier Country and Mount Cook National Park

Fox Glacier, West Coast

By Matt Crawford

Discover experiences in the West Coast

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West Coast

Journey north to glacier country, where picturesque mountains and azure lakes will have you reaching for your camera at every turn. While glaciers around the world are retreating, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers here in New Zealand still flow almost to sea level.

Easy walks to the foot of the glaciers pass along ancient river valleys, and when you stand close to the foot of these glaciers their sheer enormity will leave you humbled. Plan your trip with dedicated glacier guides.